October 9, 2024

A Doorless House by Casa Antillón

Madrid-based Casa Antillón reimagined a former cluttered attic into “A Doorless House” for their clients’ children and guests. Avoiding traditional room hierarchies, the design emphasizes flexible living spaces around a central hearth. By incorporating a fragmented curved wall, the interior separates public and private areas while allowing natural light from skylights to fill the spaces. This approach ensures a functional yet interaction-friendly environment within the 70-square-meter Madrid apartment.

Minimalist, modern living space with wood-burning stove, white walls, and geometric accents.

Flexible Living Spaces

Madrid-based Casa Antillón presented its first domestic renovation: A house without doors, transforming a former cluttered attic into a flexible living space.

Originally an underutilized attic filled with toys, furniture, and dust, the 70-square-meter open space saw little use. Consequently, the clients tasked the design studio with converting it into a home for their children and guests.

Minimalist interior with sloped ceiling, exposed beams, and modern furniture elements.

“The plan was to create a small dwelling that included a living room, bedroom, fireplace, ample storage, and a bathroom,” said the studio.

A Doorless House deviates from the “traditional hierarchies” found in conventional room layouts, where spaces are isolated by walls and doors.

The design focused on breaking down walls and fostering interaction, reviving the ancient concept of a central hearth.

Modern interior with vibrant purple walls, adjustable lighting, and plush blue carpet.

Central Hearth Design

Casa Antillón organized various unnamed areas around the central hearth, allowing flexibility in their use over time while maintaining a degree of privacy.

To create this balance, the team designed a fragmented curved wall separating public and private spaces.

“The placement of this wall is crucial, as it positions the skylights on one side, allowing abundant light to flood in and be contained on that side,” said the team.

Sleek, modern bathroom design with a metallic sink and vanity, dramatic lighting, and geometric patterns.

By strategically cutting openings, the design simulated the experience of looking outside in a windowless interior.

Passages on either side of the wall provide access to smaller rooms, facilitating easy movement and encouraging exploration.

A bright, modern bedroom with a blue carpet, pink walls, and a skylight window.

Modular Approach to the Bathroom

For the bathroom, a modular approach divided the area into separate spaces for the shower, toilet, and sink.

This design requires less floor space and encourages unique interactions within the apartment.

Casa Antillón envisioned a person waking up, walking barefoot across the carpet, and stepping directly into the shower without opening or closing doors.